Preoperative sclerotherapy of facial venous malformations: impact on surgical parameters and long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: To analyze the operative benefit of preoperative sclerotherapy of facial venous malformations and assess long-term patient outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative sclerotherapy was performed in 24 consecutive patients referred before resection of facial venous malformation. Pretreatment imaging was reviewed for malformation dimensions (length, width, and height), and volumes were estimated. Sclerotherapy was performed with 3% sodium tetradecyl in the first 15 patients and 98% dehydrated alcohol in the remaining 9 patients. Operative blood loss, operative time, transfusion requirement, and hospital stay were recorded. Operative time per lesion volume and operative blood loss per lesion volume were calculated. Results were compared with 15 historical control patients who underwent resection of facial venous malformations without preoperative sclerotherapy. Long-term follow-up of study and control patients was performed. RESULTS: Compared with controls, patients undergoing preoperative venous sclerotherapy were significantly older (P = .0206) and had larger lesions in all three dimensions (height, P = .0002; length, P = .0010; width, P = .0004). Patients receiving sclerotherapy had shorter operative time per lesion volume (P < .0001) and reduced blood loss per lesion volume (P < .0001). Neither hospital stay nor the need for blood transfusion differed from the control patients (P = .2449 and P = .6857). Mild periprocedural complications were encountered in 12.5% of cases, and nerve paresis occurred in 8.3% of cases. Long-term follow-up revealed retreatment was required in 2 of 24 patients (8.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative sclerotherapy of venous malformations was associated with less operative time per lesion volume and less operative blood loss per lesion volume. Long-term follow-up revealed a low need for retreatment.

Complication rate of venous access procedures performed by a radiology practitioner assistant compared with interventional radiology physicians and supervised trainees.

PURPOSE: To compare venous access complication rates associated with procedures performed by radiology practitioner assistants (RPAs) versus interventional radiology (IR) faculty members, IR fellows, and radiology residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of venous access procedures in the IR department for 12 consecutive months at a single university hospital was performed. Procedural primary operators included 12 radiology residents, two IR fellows, four IR faculty members, and one board-certified RPA with 2 years of university training. Data examined included immediate and short-term complications separated into major and overall categories. RESULTS: A total of 2093 venous access procedures were performed. The RPA performed 670 procedures (temporary central venous catheter placement, n = 274; peripherally inserted central catheter, n = 67; venous access catheter change, n = 99; venous port placement, n = 126; tunneled central venous catheter placement, n = 39; catheter check, n = 32; and venous explant, n = 43). Similar procedure ratios were noted with faculty members, fellows, and residents. Procedures by the RPA had a major complication rate of 0.29% and an overall complication rate of 0.89%. Four IR faculty members performed 291 procedures, with no major complications and an overall complication rate of 1.71%. Two IR fellows performed 562 procedures, with a major complication rate of 0.35% and an overall complication rate of 1.06%. Twelve residents performed 570 procedures, with a major complication rate of 0.52% (range, 0%-2.46%) and an overall complication rate of 1.39% (range, 0%-3.70%). No significant difference was found among groups (P = .7). CONCLUSION: A properly trained and monitored RPA can safely perform selected venous access procedures with complication rates equal to those of IR faculty members, fellows, and residents.

Paravertebral block: an improved method of pain control in percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage remains a painful procedure in many cases despite the routine use of large amounts of intravenous sedation. We present a feasibility study of thoracic paravertebral blocks in an effort to reduce pain during and following the procedure and reduce requirements for intravenous sedation. METHODS: Ten consecutive patients undergoing biliary drainage procedures received fluoroscopically guided paravertebral blocks and then had supplemental intravenous sedation as required to maintain patient comfort. Levels T8-T9 and T9-T10 on the right were targeted with 10-20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine. Sedation requirements and pain levels were recorded. RESULTS: Ten biliary drainage procedures in 8 patients were performed for malignancy in 8 cases and for stones in 2. The mean midazolam use was 1.13 mg i.v., and the mean fentanyl requirement was 60.0 microg i.v. in the block patients. Two episodes of hypotension, which responded promptly to volume replacement, may have been related to the block. No serious complications were encountered. The mean pain score when traversing the chest wall, liver capsule, and upon entering the bile ducts was 0.1 on a scale of 0 to 10, with 1 patient reporting a pain level of 1 and 9 reporting 0. The mean peak pain score, encountered when manipulating at the common bile duct level or when addressing stones there, was 5.4 and ranged from 0 to 10. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic paravertebral block with intravenous sedation supplementation appears to be a feasible method of pain control during biliary interventions.

Popliteal artery disease: diagnosis and treatment.

The popliteal artery is a relatively short vascular segment but is affected by a unique set of pathologic conditions. These conditions, which may be common throughout the arterial system or exclusive to the popliteal artery, include atherosclerosis, popliteal artery aneurysm, arterial embolus, trauma, popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, and cystic adventitial disease. The clinical manifestations, imaging appearances, and treatment options associated with these pathologic conditions differ significantly. Consequently, the radiologist should be familiar with these conditions to direct imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment and to prevent loss of limb.

Changes in ultrasonographic echogenicity and visibility of needles with changes in angles of insonation.

PURPOSE: To objectively compare the echogenicity of several types of needles at clinically important angles of insonation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four commercial needles (Echotip, Mini-Stick, Echo-Coat, Surflo) and a prototype dimpled needle were tested in a liver phantom at angles of insonation ranging from 90 degrees to 15 degrees. Photodensity measurement determined echogenicity levels in arbitrary echogenicity units (EU). RESULTS: At 90 degrees angles of insonation all needles were easily seen (60-76 EU) and echogenic levels were similar (P =.264). All values decreased with angulation. From the 35 degrees to 15 degrees angles, the prototype and Echotip needles were superior (P <.05). At 15 degrees the values were 43 EU for the prototype needle, 40 EU for the Echotip needle, 9.0 EU for the Echo-Coat needle, and 5.0 EU for the Surflo needle. CONCLUSION: With angulation, all needles drop in echogenicity, with prototype dimpled and Echotip best maintaining visibility at clinically important angles.